Concentrated solar power

Photo | 7 May, 2009

Aerial photo of the PS10 Concentrating Solar Thermal Power Plant. The 11 megawatt solar power tower produces electricity with 624 large movable mirrors called heliostats. The solar radiation, mirror design plant is capable of producing 23 GWh of electricity which is enough to supply power to a population of 10,000.

Concentrated solar power, less known can also provide power for large communities. By concentrating the solar heat on one point with large mirrors, it heats the top of the tower to temperatures hot enough to melt steel. The heat is then used for power generation or energy storage.